WEST Devon dog owners have saved more than £1,200 after 62 pets were microchipped for free in just two hours at Belstone Village Hall last Thursday (December 12).

The hall was inundated with dogs brought along by their owners for a free identity microchip, an event organised by West Devon Borough Council and the charity the Dogs' Trust.

The borough council's outreach coordinator, Claire Wager, said: 'We expected the event to be popular but could not have anticipated the huge response.

'We were inundated with dogs of all shapes and sizes, breeds and ages.

'It was a real success and, thankfully, we managed to get all the dogs microchipped in time.'

With each microchip costing around £20 the event has helped to save West Devon dog owners more than £1,200.

Lydia Gerrard from Dogs' Trust, who carried out the microchipping, said: 'We're delighted with the overwhelming turnout at Belstone — to have microchipped 62 dogs in just two hours is amazing.

'The number of people taking up the free offer demonstrates the responsible nature of the community and we cannot wait to host more events in 2014.'

The event at Belstone was the second to take place in West Devon recently.

Earlier this month another 33 dogs were given microchips free of charge at Hatherleigh Market.

More free microchip events will be taking place in 2014 — at the Burrow Cafe in Exbourne on February 7 from 10am to noon, in Chagford Library on February 14 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and in Broadwoodkelly Village Hall on February 21 from 10am to noon.

For more information visit the website at http://www.chipmydog.org.uk">www.chipmydog.org.uk or call 01822 813600.